Many years ago a young man who broke my heart kindly gave me a copy of this wonderful, inspirational book. Since then I have re-read it countless times, lent it out, purchased it for friends, and recommended it to anyone who is facing seemingly insurmountable loss and grief. Not just loss of romantic love or marriage, or loss by death, but of any kind of loss, literal or perceived, of something the reader feels he or she can't live without.

Not your traditional, clinical treatment of grief, this book is full of wise advice, presented both traditionally and in creative, whimsical, comical, and poetic styles. This is the kind of book you cant put down...it will arouse your anger, bring you to tears, and leave you nodding and smiling, even if it hurts to smile. The book guides you through the stages of grief, and helps you avoid the pitfalls of repeating negative behaviors (even if you want to), obsessing over "what if" and "if only", and leads you gently to positive behaviors that will hasten your recovery. In short, the book helps you get back to living. It can literally be lifesaver.

This is a dear, sweet, charming book that I highly recommend--it should be part of every household library.